Alumni Feature: Patty Chase

Patty Chase graduated from the Spiritual Direction program at the IMF in 2023. She currently resides in Michigan. Patty found the IMF with friends after they experienced a calling to make spiritual direction more available in their diocese. As the group progressed through the program, they added more people from the Archdiocese of Detroit.

Patty retired from the Archdiocese of Detroit in 2021 from the Department of Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship. Now, she spends her time at her parish coordinating the OCIA process. Through these positions, she saw the great need for spiritual direction in catechumens, candidates, and in the diocese. She also assists with mentoring at Sacred Heart seminary, practices spiritual direction, and is a Called and Gifted teacher at the Catherine of Siena Institute.

Patty’s time at the IMF greatly impacted her ability to help people encounter Christ and come into the church, as well as discovering who they are as beloved sons and daughters of God. She says it has given her a better ear for listening to people, even fellow ministers and friends. She practices the art of accompaniment with those inquiring about the Catholic Church as well as those seeking Christ in general. Her studies at the IMF have emphasized the importance of helping her children and grandchildren to become missionary disciples.

One of Patty’s favorite courses at the IMF was Psychology for Spiritual Directors. This course was really beneficial for training spiritual directors when a situation is beyond their scope. She also enjoyed moral theology with Dr. Therrien. She recommends that students of the IMF ensure they are students of prayer and not just students of theology, and to guard their prayer lives and to listen to what the Lord is saying as they go through the program. Thank you, Patty, for your continued ministry and discipleship!